Santa Fe Airport: Does It Exist?

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is served by the Santa Fe Regional Airport, a public airport located 10 miles southwest of the city centre. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, offering direct flights to destinations including Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. Santa Fe Regional Airport is a critical gateway to the cultural richness and natural beauty of the southwestern United States. The airport first opened in 1941 as a military airfield as the United States entered World War II. After the war, the airport was sold to the city, and all commercial activity was moved to the new location. Today, it is a full-service international airport, providing a convenient and cost-effective option for residents and tourists alike.

Santa Fe Regional Airport's history

Santa Fe Regional Airport, previously known as Santa Fe Municipal Airport, is located 10 miles southwest of the city centre in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States. It is one of the highest commercial airports in the country, sitting at 6348 feet above sea level.

The airport first opened in 1941 as a military airfield as the United States entered World War II. After the war, the airport was sold to the city, and all commercial activity was moved from the former Santa Fe Municipal Airport/Boyd Field. The current terminal building was opened in 1957 and has been renovated and expanded several times since, most recently in 2022.

Santa Fe's first commercial airline service began in 1929, operating a route from El Paso to Denver with several stops, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas, New Mexico. Over the following decades, various airlines served the airport, including Western Air Express, Varney Speed Lines (the predecessor of Continental Airlines), Trans World Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.

In June 1972, Frontier Airlines and Texas International Airlines, the two local service carriers serving Santa Fe at the time, abruptly ended their service, citing unsafe runway conditions. The airport then began receiving service from commuter airlines operating much smaller aircraft. In 1983, Santa Fe saw its first code-share service by a commuter airline on behalf of a major airline.

The airport lost all airline service at the end of 2007 but resumed in the summer of 2009 with its first major airline code-share flights using regional jets. This led to a significant increase in passenger traffic, with regional jet flights increasing from once per day in 2009 to as many as twelve per day in 2019. To accommodate this growth, the terminal underwent remodelling in 2016, and an expansion plan was approved in 2017, which included adding gate space, a new baggage claim area, and a new parking lot.

Transport options to and from the airport

Santa Fe does indeed have an airport. The Santa Fe Regional Airport (IATA: SAF) is located 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the city centre. The airport serves the greater Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas and is one of the highest in elevation in the United States at 6348 feet above sea level.

Rental Cars

Two rental car companies, Hertz Rent-A-Car and Avis Car Rental, are located inside the airport terminal. Several other rental car companies, including Enterprise Car Rental and Budget, are located off-site.

Airport Shuttle

Many local hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. Additionally, there are several private shuttle services available, such as Bernard's Transportation Service, Certified Airport Transportation, and New Mexico Black Car Service. These shuttle services can be contacted directly to arrange transportation.

Public Transportation

At this time, the airport is not served by the City Public Transportation system. However, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Santa Fe and can be easily arranged using their respective apps.

Taxi and Car Services

The airport has taxi and car services available. However, for late-night arrivals, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

Amtrak and Commuter Rail

For those arriving by train, the Amtrak Southwest Chief trains arrive in Lamy, New Mexico, each afternoon. From there, transportation to Santa Fe can be arranged. Additionally, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a commuter rail that operates between Santa Fe and Albuquerque seven days a week.

Passenger experience

Santa Fe Regional Airport (IATA: SAF, ICAO: KSAF, FAA LID: SAF) is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the city centre. The airport is easily accessible, with a short walk from the parking lot to the terminal. The parking lot is conveniently located right outside the terminal doors, and parking fees are affordable at $7 per day with the first 30 minutes free.

The airport is small, with a compact terminal, and offers a relaxed atmosphere compared to larger airports. It provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, allowing travellers to stay connected. There are dining options available, offering a variety of meals and snacks. The airport also has car rental services on-site, and taxi and car services are generally available outside the terminal. However, for late-night arrivals, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

Santa Fe Regional Airport serves as a convenient gateway for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural attractions of Santa Fe and the surrounding area. The airport offers direct flights to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix, with airlines like American Eagle and United Express. These direct flights make it a convenient option for travellers connecting to other destinations.

The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the increase in passenger traffic. The most recent expansion, completed in April 2024, included a significant addition to the terminal, remodelling of the entire terminal, and the creation of three new long-term parking lots. Despite the growth in passenger numbers, the airport maintains a relatively quick and efficient check-in and security screening process.

Overall, the passenger experience at Santa Fe Regional Airport is positive, with travellers benefiting from convenient parking, easy accessibility, a relaxed atmosphere, and efficient check-in processes. The availability of dining options, free Wi-Fi, and direct flights to major hubs further enhance the experience for those travelling through Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Regional Airport's busiest routes

Santa Fe Regional Airport is a public airport located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States. It is one of the highest commercial airports in elevation in the country, sitting at 6348 feet above sea level.

The airport is currently served by American Eagle, which offers regional jet flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix, and by United Express, which flies to Denver and Houston.

• Denver International Airport (DEN): 21 flights/week
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 21 flights/week
• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX): 8 flights/week
• Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS): 1 flight/week
• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 1 flight/week
• San Diego International Airport (SAN): 1 flight/week

The airport's future plans

Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) is currently undergoing a transformative renovation and expansion project. The airport is located 10 miles southwest of the city centre and serves as a vital transportation hub for Northern New Mexico. The multi-phase plan will see the airport become the region's premier gateway to domestic and international destinations.

Phase 1 of the airport terminal and parking lot expansion project was completed in April 2024, with a $21.5 million investment. This phase included a new terminal building with two gates, new parking lots, a new baggage claim facility, an improved check-in area, and a coffee and snack shop. The terminal building has high ceilings, open space, natural light, charging blocks, and art lining the walls. The parking area has been expanded to accommodate more vehicles and ease congestion, with improved lighting and security cameras.

Phase 2 of the expansion, with an estimated budget of $20 million, is planned for completion in spring 2027. This phase will include a new connection to NM 599 for better airport access, a state-of-the-art parking garage, and additional passenger amenities. The airport hopes to offer direct flights to Southern California after the completion of Phase 2.

Two future phases of the expansion, estimated at roughly $20 million each, will add another 36,000 square feet to the airport. These phases will likely include space for passengers, offices for airlines, a new security checkpoint, and jet bridges that allow passengers to walk directly from the terminal into planes.

The expansion project aims to accommodate growing passenger numbers, improve the travel experience, and attract new airlines and routes, making Santa Fe more accessible to New Mexicans and visitors worldwide.

Frequently asked questions